Popularly
known as 'The City of Lakes' is perhaps the most romantic city in Rajasthan.
The city of Udaipur notarizes three major lakes Pichola, Fatehsagar and
Udaisagar. On Pichhola lake stands the Jag mandir, one of the famous palace
of royal era. The center of allurement revolves around the twinkling blue
lakes and the royal palaces constructed with unique artistic imagination.
The city was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in 16th century and with its
majestic white marble palaces it is also referred as a 'Jewel of Mewar. The
city ruled by Sisodia Dynasty for 1200 years can be access through the Suraj
Pol or the Sun gate the main entrance to the city.
Major Attractions
City Palace
City Palace crowning on the banks of the Lake Pichola is a majestic and
awesome castle. There are terraces, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, rooms
and hanging gardens, with lavish Mughal inspired decorative art on their
walls, floors and ceilings. It also includes the MorChowk with its beautiful
mosaics of peacocks, Ruby Mahal with mirror work and Krishna Vilas
consisting of a noteworthy collection of miniatures.
Lake Palace
Amidst Lake Pichola crowns the beautiful fairy tale Lake Palace. It seems
floating on the shimmering blue waters that reflect the rugged hills that
surround it. The lake Palace designed to avoid the heat and dust of summer
was built by Maharajah Jagat Singh II in 1754. The gorgeous white marble
palace is now a luxury hotel that attracts thousands of guests each year,
just 26 kms from the airport.
Sahelion-ki-bari
Once the leisure place for royal ladies the Sahelion-ki-bari is a small
embellishing garden with enchanting fountains, beautiful carved marble
elephant and an impressive Gulab Bagh (Rose garden).
Jagdish Temples
These Indo-Aryan temples are the most beautiful specimens of Udaipur with
noteworthy carved images. Maharana Jagat Singh built the temples in 1651A.D.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal/ Museum
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum treasures the accumulation of Rajasthani folk
art, costumes, paintings, musical instruments, masks, dolls and weapons. One
can also come across a unique puppet collection. On top of Moti Magri is
located a memorial to Maharana Pratap that overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake.
From bottom of Moti Magri one can go for a boat ride to Nehru Park, a
pleasant site on an island in the lake where visitor can relax and enjoy the
splendid view.
Timings : 9 am. to 6 p.m. Regular puppet and cultural shows are
held daily.
Lakes
Lake Pichola is the largest and the most beautiful of
Udaipur's lakes, surrounded by hills while palaces, mansions, bathing ghats,
gardens and temples dot its banks. Jag Mahal and Jag Niwas are the two
island palaces that add to the lake's romantic ambience. Other important
lakes are Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar that makes a perfect oasis in the desert.
Excursions
Eklingji, 22km from the city is adorned with 108 ancient built in sandstone
and marble. Jaisamand Sanctuary is situated 50-km south of Udaipur, on the
bank of Jaisamand Lake, the second largest artificial Lake in Asia.
Kumbhalgarh Fort 84-km was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century.
Perched on the Aravallis, this is the second most important fort in
Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Kankroli 64 km, Nathdwara Temple
42km. of Lord Krishan is visited by thousand of devotees. Ranakpur 90km from
Udaipur is Haldighati Fort perched on the hillside is also very notable
tourist spot.
Shopping
There are numerous worthy shops on Lake Palace Road, besides the Rang Niwas
Palace Hotel, Clock Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government
also has its own Handicraft emporium. Udaipur shopping attractions are
Tie-Dai fabrics, batik work and carved metal work hand paintings.
Festivities in Udaipur
Shilpgarm Festival - It is a 10 day festival exhibiting
the of traditional art and craft of Rajasthan. Shilpgram hosts the festival.
Mewar Festival - The Mewar Festival is celebrated to
welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in
Udaipur and has a unique charm of its own. It is time for cultural events
where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other
programs. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display.
Accessibility
Air : Dabok Airport is 21km. from the city is the nearest airhead.
It connects Udaipur with all the major cities of India.
Rail : Trains from Mumbai via Ahmedabad, Delhi Chittorgarh connects
Udaipur. Palace on Wheel also covers Udaipur.
Road : The city is well connected by road. Some important distances
are Udaipur to Ahmedabad 262 km, Mumbai 739 km, Delhi is 670 km from
Udaipur, Ahmedabad 262 km, Jaipur 407 km, all are well connected by regular
bus services.
